Sylvia Jeffreys and Tom Steinfort announced as Today Show hosts to replace Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo
The replacements for Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo have been announced, after both left the network within months of each other.
Channel Nine has announced presenters Sylvia Jeffreys and Tom Steinfort will step into the permanent roles of Today Show hosts as the network replaces the departed Karl Stefanovic and outgoing Sarah Abo.
Abo has been on maternity leave since mid-July, and had been steering the program alongside a series of guest co-hosts since Stefanovic was axed in June over his increasingly right-wing views and divisive podcast outside of his TV duties.
Jeffreys will take the reins from Abo when she permanently departs at the end of 2026, while Steinfort will replace Stefanovic.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Viewers were apprised of the development during Thursday’s broadcast.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be stepping in to cover Sarah’s parental leave, and then permanently with the show in 2027 and onwards,” Jeffreys beamed.
“There are a lot of mixed feelings from everyone today, I know that, here on the floor, you at home as well, but I know Tom and I are going to work really, really hard to carry on the amazing work of Sarah, of Karl, of the whole team — everything they’ve been doing for years for you, our viewers.”
The presenter then reminded her audience that she herself was expecting “a little baby coming” in 2027 as she took on a “very big job” alongside her co-host.
“I am pumped as well,” Steinfort said, before congratulating Jeffreys on her journey ahead and declaring he was “stoked” to be a fixture of the program into the future alongside her.
The moment was bitter sweet as the network farewelled the beloved Abo, whose decision to depart the show came rather suddenly.
The experienced journalist joined the program in 2023 after being recruited by the network as a reporter for 60 Minutes in 2019.
The new mother made the shock announcement on Wednesday in a social media message to fans.
“I am no longer returning to the Today show, or the Nine network,” she said.
“I have had such a wonderful time there, I’ve enjoyed every second. I love the team I work with, I adore everyone behind the scenes . . .
“I’ll miss you terribly, but there is more to come . . .”
In a statement, Nine Executive Director of News and Current Affairs, Fiona Dear, thanked the former co-host for her contribution.
“Sarah has been an integral part of the Today team, bringing warmth, energy and first-class journalism to the program each morning,” Ms Dear said.
“It takes enormous skill to front three-and-a-half hours of live television every day, and Sarah did it with sharp journalistic instincts.
‘We thank her for everything she brought to Today, and wish Sarah and her family all the very best.”
Abo and her husband Cyrus announced the arrival of their baby boy Sonny on July 24.
Originally published on PerthNow
